Depression and Diets: The Interconnected Relationship Between Lifestyle and Depression Status-An Updated Review

Abstract

Background: Depression is a widespread and debilitating mental health condition affecting millions globally. Despite the availability of first-line antidepressant treatments, a significant portion of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) fails to respond to conventional therapies. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep patterns, exercise, and diet play a critical role in the development and progression of depression. While stressful life events are common triggers, individual resilience influenced by lifestyle choices is a key area for intervention.

Aim: This review aims to explore the interconnected relationship between lifestyle factors—specifically diet—and depression. By analyzing existing research on dietary patterns and their association with depressive symptoms, the review seeks to understand how dietary interventions might serve as alternative or complementary treatments for depression.

Methods: The review synthesizes evidence from various studies, including original research and meta-analytic investigations, focusing on the links between diet, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and depression. Studies covering meal timing, nutrient deficiencies, and dietary patterns such as the Mediterranean diet were also examined for their impact on depression.

Results: Research highlights that poor dietary habits, including excessive caloric intake and the consumption of ultra-processed foods, are associated with an increased risk of depression. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, and fruits, such as the Mediterranean diet, show protective effects against depression. Furthermore, meal timing, such as skipping breakfast or late eating patterns, also correlates with higher depressive symptoms. Additionally, interventions targeting obesity and metabolic disorders, such as calorie restriction or bariatric surgery, have shown improvements in both physical health and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: Lifestyle modifications, particularly diet, play a crucial role in the prevention and management of depression. The evidence supports the implementation of nutritional interventions, including adopting healthier eating patterns, reducing the intake of ultra-processed foods, and maintaining balanced meal timings, to alleviate depressive symptoms and improve overall well-being.